"It will depend on him [Costa] and what he thinks is the best for his future," Simeone said. "I will support any decision he makes. It's natural that Chelsea are interested in him. That makes me happy, because my aim and that of my coaching staff is to see our players improve.

"We understand that Chelsea have huge financial power and if he wants to live off football for the rest of his life, I will have no problem in him going. It was like Radamel Falcao, how could I tell him not to go to Monaco?

"Samuel Eto'o has made Chelsea better. He is getting older and Diego Costa could do his thing there, but for now he is ours.

"He has room for improvement. He's rebellious and I like that and he's something different. Hopefully his development won't end. Right now he's among the candidates for the Ballon d'Or."